German leaders vow better energy cooperation

Protesters hold a placard and flag next to a model of a wind turbine, during a demonstration to support the change of energy supply in front of the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012. Poster reads : 'Don't let the energy-change capsize'. On Friday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a meeting with the country's 16 state governors to coordinate the country's energy transition from nuclear to renewable power sources within a decade (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

BERLIN (AP) — German leaders have vowed to improve coordination of the country's transition from nuclear to renewable energy after a sluggish and much-criticized start to the switchover.

Chancellor Angela Merkel met Friday with the nation's 16 state governors. She said they will enhance coordination to ensure a steady power supply, a continuing renewable energy expansion and affordable electricity prices.

Germany decided last year to phase out nuclear power by 2022 and replace it with wind, solar and other renewable energies. Critics say the ambitious plan has fallen behind schedule because of a lack of coordination and oversight.

Thuringia state governor Christine Lieberknecht said all governments must now work together on the transition plan because "we cannot have 16 states with 16 energy switchovers."